Contract expires
©IMAGO
When it comes to the question of Manuel Neuer’s future in goal at FC Bayern, the people of Munich see no need to rush. “There’s a lot to be said for Manuel Neuer in general, but we want to concentrate on sport at the moment. We’ve already said that in other cases with other players,” said CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen. “Manuel is under no pressure at all and we will talk in due course.”
The former Schalke player has been guarding the Bayern goal since 2011 – on Tuesday he will also be between the posts in the Champions League summit against defending champions Paris Saint-Germain. However, with a view to his health, he definitely gets a break from time to time. He was missing from the cup due to a suspension from the previous season, but his representative Jonas Urbig (22) was also in goal in preparation for the 3-0 win in Mönchengladbach.
A good two weeks ago, after the Champions League game against Bruges (4-0), Neuer humorously avoided the question about his extension: “I have to look after my bones. It’s already late and I’m noticing that again now. Let’s see what it’s like when I get up.” When the long-time national goalkeeper was asked what he normally feels like when he gets up, he joked: “Yes, the doctor is just walking past now. I have to wait a moment.” Then he smiled mischievously and said: “There are good days – and better days.”
The Munich captain will be 40 years old in March, and recently there has been repeated speculation about another season for the German record champions. There were repeated calls that Neuer should also look after the German national team’s World Cup goal next summer. FC Bayern is prepared in the event that the 2014 world champion’s career ends. Urbig performed well this season, and the loaned keepers Alexander Nübel (29, VfB Stuttgart) and Daniel Peretz (25, HSV) are also squad options for the new season. According to “Sport Bild”, if Neuer were to extend his contract, he would finally part ways with Nübel.
